Mitt Romney repeatedly claims that his past successes in business and his accumulation of wealth are evidence of his inherent skill in devising and implementing schemes which, if applied at the federal level, would benefit the U.S. economy at-large and "trickle-down" to aid all American citizens.

Adherence to this claim is the basis for Romney's optimism in achieving success in the upcoming presidential election.

History, of course, disproves Romney's claim. President Herbert Hoover (1928-1933), an equally successful "business magnate" (a millionaire at ate 40), proved incapable at dealing with the financial collapse following the 1929 Wall Street Crash, the spread of failures, bankruptcies and despair. He did not fulfill his promised "chicken in every pot" goal.

Conclusion: The skill of acquiring a vast personal fortune is not a credential for achieving future leadership success.